Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 149
Portrait
The only moment the emperor felt a bit of relief was when he could mock Izar, who resembled the former Duke, the source of all his troubles.
However, the look in Izar’s eyes when thinking of ‘that woman’ was not as miserable as the emperor had hoped. How could he tolerate such insolence?
“The presence of monsters seems to be due to some corrupt existence.”
“Your Majesty?”
“For instance, it could be because of a wicked woman running rampant.”
“……”
“Would Adamant allow such wickedness to continue unpunished?”
The High Priest blinked slowly.
A wicked woman.
It was clear who he was referring to.
The temple was like a pond where rumors flowed and settled. Though the matter was hushed up due to the weight of the family name, it had surely reached the High Priest’s ears.
The old priest tugged at his long beard, forming a smirk.
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
* * *
Had she ever felt as nervous as she did now, apart from her first wedding in her previous life?
Presenting to the imperial family without Electra, just herself and Izar!
‘I’m glad I only have to present to the Prince.’
Seeing Izar’s irritated expression when he returned, it was obvious the emperor would have tormented her had he seen Freesia. Especially in a dress without a veil, there was no way to avoid prying eyes, making her uncomfortable.
‘Come to think of it, this is my first time here without covering my face.’
She had been to the palace several times in her past life, but each time, Electra had been with her. The matriarch dressed her much more conservatively than for an ordinary noble banquet.
‘Wearing a veil in public is considered an outdated custom?’
At least in the capital, such attire was no longer fashionable, but Electra dismissed such remarks.
<We must always present ourselves as modest women, wherever and whenever. Because of that woman’s actions, the reputation of women from Arcturus is in the gutter.>
‘That woman’ referred to Izar’s mother. Electra pointed out the former duchess’s lack of virtue while martyring herself as if she were bearing the sins of others.
In any case, it was easier to gain favor by presenting a good impression.
The prince smiled warmly at Freesia.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Duchess.”
“May Adamant’s blessings be upon you. I’m embarrassed to present this to Your Highness, but please kindly accept it.”
“No need for such humility. What is this…?”
Riegel took the small silver-crafted box. Inside, it appeared to be an accessory with a round glass bead attached.
While examining it, the duchess added in a shy voice.
“It’s a tool to help you see small letters more clearly while reading, Your Highness.”
“Ah!”
Riegel massaged his forehead. He had recently developed a habit of squinting while reading.
Playfully holding the gift, he looked at the duchess. It was a gift he would gladly receive without needing the Duke’s prompting.
“Such a thoughtful gift. Thank you, I will…”
But the prince trailed off, staring intently at Freesia. Seeing the doubt, surprise, and confusion in his green eyes, Freesia flinched.
‘What’s this?’
Had she made a mistake? Was there something wrong with the gift?
Freesia looked up at Izar with a cold sweat forming.
But Izar, too, was frowning, watching the prince. He wasn’t pleased with Riegel’s reaction.
‘Why is he acting like that?’
The words of praise Riegel had given Freesia at the academy still lingered in his mind.
He was not possessive, but the prince staring at Freesia like that was far from welcome.
Riegel, however, carefully placed the gift back in its box and smiled.
“It’s just been so long since I’ve seen you look so well. I will use it gratefully, Duchess.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Then please enjoy the rest of the event comfortably.”
Freesia, feeling unusually elated, left with Izar. The disapproving stares from the Antares family didn’t bother her at all.
Izar also ignored the lingering resentment in their gazes. They were likely afraid of their past sins being exposed, keeping their distance.
‘Once Freesia’s true father is confirmed…’
Izar frowned momentarily, thinking of the slow progress of the investigation.
He had expected to narrow down the candidates quickly if it was a family capable of passing on magical abilities. But the incident was too old, and confirming if Freesia’s mother had met more people was proving difficult.
‘But since I’ve retrieved that troublesome ring… I’ll wait and see a bit more.’
After calling on Princess Atria to return the ring, she had thrown a fit, refusing to part with it. However, even Madam Antares had to reluctantly persuade her daughter to give it up.
‘What a ridiculous situation.’
At first, he had felt frustrated with himself for being so enraged about the appearance of a bride who was an illegitimate daughter.
He hadn’t anticipated that Freesia would become such a significant presence to him, which made things more complicated.
